Full-time UST MBA students reach Class Gift goal

In just the second year of the Full-time UST MBA Class Gift program, students in the program already have set an unbreakable record – 100-percent participation in its Class Gift campaign.

With the contributions of students, alumni and a matching gift from Dr. Christopher Puto, dean of the Opus College of Business, the 2012 Full-time UST MBA class has raised $25,632. The students plan to use the money to update the breakout rooms in the commons area in Terrence Murphy Hall with new furniture and technology in order to enhance the student experience.

Last year, students in the Full-time UST MBA program began the class-gift tradition as a way to give back to St. Thomas, leave a legacy on campus and support future MBA students.

Rather than set a monetary goal, this year’s Class Gift Committee set a goal of 100-percent participation. Student and alumni rates of giving often are considered by foundations and corporate giving programs in their funding decisions. Participating helps not only to support the UST mission, increase the value of one’s degree, and improve the student experience, but also it helps the university’s reputation nationally.